Sometimes when you travel, there are no glitches, hitches, stitches, or otherwise complications. Usually I have all of the above, but this time everything was clear and easy. I decided to go to Mexico via Austin's new direct flight to Mexico City on Aeromexico, then on to Queretaro and San Miguel de Allende. It was a little cheaper than other airlines and also on one of those smaller regional jets, which I've been loathe to fly.
I always felt there wasn't room for me or my one-bag packing light strategy. But truthfully, I had plenty of room and my bag fit in the overhead bin. The only drawback was in Mexico City and Queretaro, where our type of plane didn't have jet way equipment, so it was bus time to the terminals. I like being toward the back of the plane, so I was last on the bus, squeezed in and standing. I started to doubt my seating preference. But then again, I was first off the bus and in to the customs line. Win!
In Queretaro I had a car service to SMdA to the front door of my old friend John Eckrote and his girlfriend's house. John and I worked together back in the 90s at Weissmann Travel Reports. He has traveled the world, often quitting jobs for months to do so. He settled here and has 2 kids from a previous marriage. 5 days of relaxation coming in perfect weather.
Did I say it was Carmen's house? Oh no, this is a hacienda. A beautiful courtyard, with native plants and flowers, a water garden, an outdoor living area with a fireplace, and my own private quarters in the back. This is a perfect location for the week. I met John's kids, Sebastian and Matilda, and 4 dogs, and 3 cats. The children go to their mother the rest of the week, but 5 people, cat and dogs living together, mass hysteria! No just kidding, it's been a great first day.
After a late night of chatting and beer, and Mexico's spring time change this weekend (we are on Central Time Zone, and for a few hours last night, we were an hour behind that), I got a much needed sleep late Sunday. After toast and coffee (yes, you read that right), we walked down to El Jardin, La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, the San Francisco Church, and the Artisans Market (Mercado de Artesanias), where we looked around, had street corn, and Carmen bought tomatoes. After a break back at Hacienda de Carmen, we walked to Hecho en Mexico, a restaurant frequented by the some of the large contingent of expats living here. About 10% of the population are people who retired, or moved here to work, as John did. It began after WWII when returning soldiers came here on the GI Bill, and began to revitalize it. But the culture is still Mexico and it helps to know some Spanish, although with the number of gringos, English is understood. Some Cochinita Pibil, an Indio beer, and colorful art (Matilda, who apparently knows everyone, knows the artist), and sometimes unruly Sebastian (I'm kidding, John!), a nice time was had.
I'm fond of San Miguel, in my Fonda San Miguel (see what i did there). Thank you Carmen and John for the hospitality. Tomorrow, a walking tour, a trolley tour, and who knows what. Nothing is planned and I like it.
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